Devastating news hit Madison over the weekend with the passing of former Wisconsin running backs coach Gary Brown. He was battling cancer for the second time. Brown was 52 years old.

Sunday, Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst released a statement on Brown’s death.

“I am deeply saddened by Gary’s passing,” Chryst said. “Though he was only on our staff for a year he had a profound impact on our players and our program. We are all better people for having known Gary.

“He was a tremendous person, a terrific coach and a joy to be around. He had great energy and passion for life and that showed every day. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Kim, his children, Malena and Dorianna and Tre, and his entire family, his friends and everyone who loved him.”

According to Dallas Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr., Brown had been in hospice care in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Brown was a running back at Penn State in the late 1980s, finishing with 1,321 yards rushing and 12 offensive touchdowns while also serving as a kick returner. He played in the NFL throughout the 1990s for the Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers and New York Giants.

As a coach, Brown served time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys. He spent one year on Rutgers’ staff in 2008 and was with the Badgers in 2021 before his condition worsened.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brown and his family.